In a race where size usually matters, this year’s 53rd Transpacific Yacht Race delivered a new inspiring story: a 36-foot production-based boat was second over the finish line.
She also decisively won her class on ORR corrected time and finished just a minute shy of the podium on overall ORR corrected time. And all that sailed by the only double-handed crew in the race.
The new Beneteau First 36 SE Custom “TP”, named Rahan, crossed the finish line at Diamond Head, Hawaii, just behind the 88-foot canting keel Maxi LUCKY. What makes this result even more impressive is that Rahan was the smallest boat in the fleet and sailed double-handed by two passionate, dedicated offshore sailors, Charles-Etienne Devanneaux (owner of Naos Yachts) and Frédéric Courouble.
Charles-Etienne Devanneaux, co-skipper of Rahan and owner of Naos Yachts:
“The power of Rahan—that’s our customised First 36 SE for the Transpac—surprised everyone, even us. This race gave us a chance to test everything we had worked on: the custom rig, sail plan, keel, weight balance. And in real offshore conditions. The boat performed way beyond expectations.”
